Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce

Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce Recipe with Garlic, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Basil

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce is a simple and delicious recipe that can be whipped up in no time. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to add a burst of flavor to any dish.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family as a go-to sauce for busy nights when time is limited but flavor is still a priority. The combination of garlic, herbs, and vegetables creates a rich and savory sauce that pairs well with pasta, rice, or even as a topping for grilled meats.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Grate a generous amount of garlic and sauté it in a small amount of PAM spray until it turns brown.
Sprinkle in a pinch of rosemary and oregano.
Add the vegetables and a small amount of water, then sauté them.
If available, add a few fresh basil leaves and sauté until they just start to wilt.
Add an adequate amount of canned tomato sauce and a small amount of tomato paste to achieve the desired texture.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Stir in a can of white beans for added protein and fiber.
Mix in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the garlic until it turns brown to bring out its full flavor.

- Adding sun-dried tomatoes can add a depth of flavor to the sauce.

- Use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

- Fresh basil adds a pop of freshness to the sauce, so be sure not to overcook it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta, rice, or quinoa for a quick and delicious meal. You can also use it as a topping for grilled meats or as a dip for crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the garlic until it turns brown helps to bring out its full flavor and adds depth to the sauce. Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch for added texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the sauce with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. Serve it in a colorful bowl or over a bed of greens for an eye-catching dish.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, rice, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this sauce contains approximately 100 calories, making it a light and healthy option for any meal.

Carbohydrates

This sauce is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fats

The fats in this sauce come primarily from the PAM spray used for sautéing the vegetables. This recipe is relatively low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

This sauce is a vegetarian option and does not contain any added proteins. However, you can easily add protein by serving it over grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpea pasta.

Vitamins and minerals

This sauce is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs used. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, while basil is a good source of vitamin K and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, be sure to check the labels on your canned tomato sauce and tomato paste for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, this Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce is a nutritious and flavorful option for any meal. It is low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

This Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce is a versatile and flavorful recipe that is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and delicious meal. Packed with nutrients and easy to customize, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my Aunt Martha tend to her garden. As a young girl, I was always eager to learn new things, especially when it came to cooking. Aunt Martha was known for her delicious vegetable dishes, so I jumped at the chance to learn from her.

After a long day of weeding and watering, Aunt Martha invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare dinner. She handed me a basket full of fresh vegetables from the garden and told me we were going to make a simple sauce to accompany our meal.

As we worked together, Aunt Martha explained that the key to a great vegetable sauce was to use whatever ingredients you had on hand and to let the natural flavors shine through. She showed me how to chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces and how to sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they were tender.

As the vegetables simmered on the stove, Aunt Martha added a splash of vinegar, a sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors. She then let the sauce reduce until it was thick and rich, coating the vegetables in a deliciously tangy glaze.

I watched in awe as Aunt Martha worked her magic in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that was bursting with flavor. When she finally ladled the sauce over a bowl of steaming rice, I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before – a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a subtle hint of heat from the fresh peppers Aunt Martha had added. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious.

From that day on, I was hooked on Aunt Martha's Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce. I begged her to teach me the recipe, and she happily obliged, passing down her knowledge to the next generation.

Over the years, I have made this sauce countless times, adapting it to suit my own tastes and experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and seasonings. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Aunt Martha's kitchen, and the valuable lesson she taught me about the beauty of simple, homemade food.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great pleasure in sharing this recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down a piece of family tradition that has been cherished for generations. I hope that they, too, will find joy in cooking and creating delicious meals from scratch, just as I have.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a quick and satisfying dish, why not give Aunt Martha's Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce a try? I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Just remember to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, let the flavors shine through, and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!